Monmouth Beach Mayor Resigns

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By Allison Perrine

MONMOUTH BEACH – A page turned to a new chapter in Monmouth Beach history this summer after 15-year mayor Sue Howard announced her resignation from the borough’s board of commissioners Aug. 24.

In a letter addressed to Monmouth Beach residents, Howard said she stepped down to spend more time with family and to fully enjoy her retirement from the telecommunications industry which she left nine years ago. Commissioner David Stickle is now the borough’s new mayor.

“Over the years so many of you have supported me with your kind words, great suggestions, open minds and even volunteering to help,” said Howard in her open letter. “I hope you know how much it has meant to me. It has been an honor to be your Mayor and I will treasure the memories.”

Because Howard resigned before Sept. 1, there will now be two open seats available on the Nov. 3 general election ballot for unexpired terms. The two selected individuals will be sworn in immediately and will serve until the nonpartisan borough’s municipal election in May 2021. According to the Monmouth County Clerk’s Election Division, current petitions for candidacy have been filed by incumbent Lawrence M. Bolsch, Kristina R. Schmelz, Joseph Vecchio, Lindsay Crotty Cooke, Philip L. Kuhlthau, Timothy Somers and Lisa Costello.

“Hopefully this approach will allow plenty of time for younger, well qualified, good people to decide to serve our town and run this November or in May 2021,” she said in her statement.

Both Stickle and Howard were unable to be reached for comment by press time Wednesday.

Howard, a former Monmouth Beach school board member, said her time as mayor did not come without controversies in town over the years. But she chooses now to remember the successes, including projects that were achieved “after overcoming significant obstacles.” That includes the seawall repair project in 2008; the beach replenishment project in 2011; major renovations to the pavilion in 2010 and 2014; a new seawall in front of the pavilion in 2019; and more.

“None of this would have been possible without the ‘dream team,’” she said, which included former commissioners Jim Cunniff and Bill McBride; borough attorney Dennis Collins; representatives of T&M Associates for their engineering services, especially Bob Stetz and Bonnie Heard; planning board attorney Mike Irene; planning board members; and borough employees.

“In New Jersey where most elected officials are volunteers, having knowledgeable, competent professionals is critical,” said Howard. “I thank you for all you have done for our town. I am going to miss working with each you.”

She ended her message by addressing the “current social media environment” seemingly filled with an “unfettered barrage of attacks and vicious vitriol.”

“I fear for our democracy. The lack of respect for differing perspectives is already causing some to keep their opinions to themselves. And some elected officials are choosing to ignore social media,” said Howard. “More importantly, good competent people may hesitate to subject themselves to such an environment and choose to never serve.”

“I do hope this inspires you to dedicate your time, energy, patience and skill to serve our town by volunteering for any one of our great organizations or running for Commissioner,” Howard continued. “This requires not only offering opinions and making decisions based on your own knowledge but also requires a willingness to learn about our government operations and consider advice and opinions of others. It can be extremely rewarding to improve our town’s quality of life as a result of a collaborative process.”

The article originally appeared in the September 17 – 23, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.